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125 mess with a former professional football player's property. "ey are immediately intimated by him, thinking he is a linebacker and he's huge," Alyssa said. "But I tell them he's a Teddy Bear. He wouldn't do anything to hurt anyone." Even though Bruce has played on some of the biggest stages in sports, he got more nervous sitting in Carver-Hawkeye Arena watching his daughter and the Hawkeyes. During a thrilling 3-1 victory over Northwestern on Oct. 28, Alyssa collected 10 digs and served the final two points of a Game 4 clincher. "It's harder sitting there watching, absolutely. It is very tough," Bruce said. "It is hard as a parent to sit, I don't care what you're watching. at is much, much harder for me." Alyssa is majoring in journalism and sports studies. Entering her senior season she was already a two-time team captain and two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection. Hard work runs in the family. "e biggest thing my dad taught me, especially going into college volleyball, is you're not going to be the biggest, you're not going to be the strongest, but you are going to be the hardest-working person in the gym," Alyssa said. "at is evident in my journey and especially his journey. at equals success. Working your hardest, giving it everything you have, having complete and total confidence in yourself and having fun at the same time will put you on top no matter your size, weight, or ability. Being able to work the hardest is a huge characteristic that will bring you out on top." Alyssa's volleyball career concluded at home Nov. 26. Her father was in the stands during the match, but more importantly, even though Alyssa's playing days are over, he will continue to be an influence. "I have my dad, my hero, my best friend, and my role model all in one person," Alyssa said. "It is fun to celebrate the good times with him, but there have been bad times and my dad has always been there for me."